Abstract: A pro-angiogenic porous polymer scaffold is disclosed. The polymer has at least 20 mol-% monomeric subunits containing acidic functional groups, and has a porosity of at least 40%. The pores in the scaffold are interconnected. A method of making such a scaffold using a novel adaptation to the traditional solvent casting/particulate leaching technique is also disclosed. The scaffold may be used for tissue regeneration.

Abstract: An angiogenic material is prepared which promotes extensive vascularization when implanted in animal tissue. The angiogenic material is preferably used in microcapsule coatings and microspheres for implantation in animals. In microcapsules, the angiogenic material promotes better exchange of nutrients, waste products and cellular products between encapsulated cells and the circulatory system of the host animal. Preferably, the angiogenic material consists of a biocompatible polymer and a vascularizing compound consisting of polymerizable compounds capable of forming anions. Microspheres containing the angiogenic material may be used to assist in recovery of ischemic heart muscle by injection of the microspheres into the heart muscle or blood vessels serving the ischemic area. Also disclosed is a method of forming small microcapsules and microspheres by passing cell aggregates or air bubbles through layers of a density gradient.

Abstract: An angiogenic material is disclosed which promotes extensive vascularization when implanted in animal tissue. The angiogenic material is preferably used in microcapsule coatings and microspheres for implantation in animals. In microcapsules, the angiogenic material promotes better exchange of nutrients, waste products and cellular products between encapsulated cells and the circulatory system of the host animal. Microspheres containing the angiogenic material may be used to assist in recovery of ischemic heart muscle by injection of the microspheres into the heart muscle or blood vessels serving the ischemic area. Also disclosed is a method of forming small microcapsules and microspheres by passing cell aggregates or air bubbles through layers of a density gradient.

Abstract: An angiogenic material is provided which promotes extensive vascularization when implanted in animal tissue. The angiogenic material contains a biocompatible polymer and a vascularizing polymerizable compound capable of forming anions. The polymer may be a polyacrylate, and the polymerizable compound includes compounds having ionizable groups selected from sulfates, sulfonic acid groups and carboxyl groups. These compounds include acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, crotonic acid, itaconic acid, vinylsulfonic acid and vinylacetic acid. The angiogenic material is preferably used in microcapsule coatings and microspheres for implantation in animals. In microcapsules, the angiogenic material promotes better exchange of nutrients, waste products and cellular products between encapsulated cells and the circulatory system of the host animal.